The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.